Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s latest move to shut down Dakota Access

PIPELINES: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe prepares a legal argument to shut down the Dakota Access pipeline that claims the operator’s environmental record should prevent it from obtaining a crucial easement. (E&E News)

‍

ALSO: A carbon pipeline developer strikes a deal with a Nebraska environmental group that includes training first responders and donating to local nonprofits. (Nebraska Examiner)

‍

COAL: Ohio clean energy and consumer advocates call on state regulators to force owners of two unprofitable coal plants to return more than $100 million to ratepayers. (WOSU)

‍

GRID:

• Utilities, regulators, lawmakers and grid operators increasingly explore the potential of virtual power plants that could harness power from distributed batteries to reduce grid demand. (States Newsroom)
• Two utilities file a federal appeal seeking to overturn a court ruling that’s preventing construction of the last mile of a $650 million transmission line between Iowa and Wisconsin. (E&E News, subscription)
• Rising electricity demand may create a short-term need for more gas plants, jeopardizing emission-reduction targets, according to a new report sponsored by energy companies. (E&E News, subscription)

‍

OIL & GAS: Ohio environmental advocates say the state’s draft study on the effects of opening about 40,000 acres of a national forest to oil and gas development doesn’t fully account for habitat and outdoor recreation losses. (Mahoning Matters)

‍

POWER PLANTS:

• We Energies details plans to replace a coal-fired power plant along Lake Michigan with several natural gas-powered turbines by 2028. (Wisconsin Public Radio)
• Local officials in northern Wisconsin opposing plans for a 625 MW gas plant near Lake Superior say the proposed site is most valuable by being undeveloped because of the local ecology. (Wisconsin Examiner)

‍

SOLAR: Illinois is an early participant in a federal program that uses new software to extend community solar to more low-income subscribers. (PV Magazine)

‍

UTILITIES: Ohio’s consumer advocate says AEP’s recently approved electric security plan lacks transparency and is short on details about how it would benefit ratepayers. (Ohio Capital Journal)

‍

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Former President Trump uses increasingly violent rhetoric to oppose President Biden’s policies in support of electric vehicles, particularly in battle ground states like Michigan. (NBC News)

‍

EFFICIENCY: A Nebraska agency seeks proposals to launch a weatherization program that helps low-income families invest in energy efficiency. (NTV)

‍